Captain America: The Winter Soldier Review
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Cast Headliners: Chris Evans, Scarlet Johannson, Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Robert Redford
Original Release Date:April 4th, 2014
In many ways Captain America is the face of the avengers
and its central core of the Avengers. He is the moral center, he is a tactician,
he is the person most like us; Steve Rogers is so many things. One of the most beloved superheroes of all
time, and one of the strongest parts of the Marvel films. Captain America: The
Winter Soldier is the second solo movie to feature him, and it’s one of those
perfect sequels which refines and gives intricacy to its predecessor as well as
expanding the horizons for the future. There is an incredible amount of awesome
things in this movie.
Steve Rogers/Captain America is played so well by Chris
Evans, who gives more of the same nuanced performance as the patriot superhero. The world is in a dangerous period of time
after the past events of other Marvel films, and this is reflected in many ways
through the film. The tone is possibly the darkest yet, and even the Captain’s
costume carries no red white and blue but a solemn black. The best comic book
movies contain deep themes, and on hand here are very relevant issues with its
plot concerning the price of freedom, government surveillance, and corrupt
leaders. Captain America will say things that resonate deeply, and the dialogue
and topics are fierce and cutting. One
dark turn after another happens, since unlike World War 2 the enemies of the
USA aren’t out in the open anymore. They hide in the shadows, in the blizzard
of uncertainty. The movie’s title of
Winter Soldier carries many meanings, for after the fall comes the grey times
is no need to worry that it has gone too dark
however, as there is a lot of trademark Marvel wit and humor. Nick Fury, played by basically our worlds
Nick Fury Samuel L Jackson, is great as always and actually gets to be involved
in the most action ever. That’s a great aspect of the movie, in that it both
gives old characters new growth and screentime as well as introducing new
ones. We learn a lot about Nick Fury’s
past, we get to watch him (in one of the most intense car chases) fight for his
life, and he makes some smooth wisecracks. It’s everything that’s loved about
him, and there’s more of it in finest form. In that same pattern is Black Widow, the
stunning Scarlet Johansson. The movie
could have just as easily been called “Black Widow: Winter Soldier” as she
wrecks foes right alongside the Captain. Before they had not very much
interaction in the Marvel universe, but they make a perfect cool combo. Eventually in the film they are joined by heroic
newcomer the Falcon, played pretty well by Anthony Mackie, who has a wing
jetpack and mini-guns. Yes it is as awesome as it sounds. These supporting characters kind of make it
the SHIELD/Nick Fury/Black Widow full length movie that fans have always wanted
too, and oh my it does deliver. I can’t
speak too much onto why Robert Redford is great Nick Fury’s boss Alexander
Pearce, but his track record is well lived up to.
But
what are they fighting? Well it’s certainly reccomendable that the film’s
twists be experienced firsthand as there are some incredible ones. But suffice
to say that Captain America and his comrades face lies, betrayals, and
dangerous people who want to kill them and do evilll plots. The pacing is top notch, with what seems to
be a record high number of action sequences that will constantly leave one on
the edge of their seat. It’s surprising
to see such sweet action and flashy visuals come from directors the Russo Brothers,
who had previously made comedy television series Community and Arrested
Development. This movie proves they know
how to entertain people, as like those series plots happen fast and furious but
are excitedly digestible.
Remove
Captain America, and this still would stand alone as an amazing political
thriller action spy film. But the movie
is also about him as a hero, and the incredibly journeys he goes through. Creator Stan Lee once said that the Cap makes
up for a lack of powered armor suits or godhood or spider webs by just being
the ultimate form of what a average person could be with enough effort. This
makes him really special. Every fight
that happens in the movie feels extra visceral.
The Captain even meets someone who’s an equal fighting force, the
titular Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).
Winter Soldier is amazingly fierce, scary, and awesome to see in action.
He’s the modern antithesis of the Captain, with being more machine than man and
able to slaughter without question. Their clashes are some of the most amazing
parts of the movie, and Steve Roger’s past connection to this character make
for some extreme emotional feelings. Be
sure to not have forgotten who Bucky was….
(I also wanna make a
sidenote how this movie’s plot is TOTALLY LIKE THE METAL GEAR GAMES, SHIELD are
the patriots, Winter Soldier is dark
Raiden/Ocelot’s beast unit, there’s even a Tanker opening. Fans will have just
been spoiled but will love this, for it is probably a big influence)
This
movie is an amazing thrilling tale. The characters are great both old and
new. The directing, acting, visuals,
action set-pieces and score make for an treat of pure awesome. An obvious effort of craft was placed into
this film, and it’s ending makes HUGE changes for the future of the Marvel
universe, possibly more than any before.
The last time I felt so excited for the future was when Captain America
had his first adventure which led to the Avengers movie. This time, it leads to
what will be the Avengers sequel, but also so much more. Thanks Marvel, this was a gem of a gift. 9.15 out of 10
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